... The rising up of a mob of angry residents around the Martinez development of Magnolia Trace discloses an arrogant temperament toward those who cannot afford the same privileges as the elites, but lack the financial depth required to ensure equality in housing, medical care, etc.

As the editor has pointed out, Magnolia Trace is destined to be a large-scale warehousing of the poor. This attitude is reminiscent of the “poor house” mentality of the 19th and 20th centuries.

I see once again the county’s school taxes are not meeting required expenditure. The shortfall will be met by increasing pupil-to-teacher ratio. That’s fine, but I have a proposal I believe would be a win for all concerned.

Columbia County is relatively well-to-do. Probably a large number of parents sending their children to government-operated and funded schools could afford to send those children to private schools or home school. Why not give them a nudge in that direction in the form of a stipend? Maybe give $1,000 for each child taken out of the system.

Weather officials are calling 2011 “a year for the record books.” From extreme drought, heat waves and flood to unprecedented tornado outbreaks, hurricanes, wildfires and winter storms, a record 14 weather and climate disasters in 2011 caused $1 billion or more in damages – and most regrettably, loss of human lives and property.

I would like to commend Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross for showing political courage by raising the topic of term limits for county commissioners. In the July 2010 Republican primary, 88.01 percent of Columbia County voters supported them. I was not among them as I believe that an informed electorate will instill “term limits.” If someone is doing what I believe to be a good job, then I want for him/her to remain in office until I feel otherwise. I oppose recycling politicians instead of demanding public servants.

I am sending this letter to get some visibility and maybe some help. I live in a Herbert Homes community in Grovetown called Grove Landing. I was recently sent a letter inviting us to an annual homeowners asssociation meeting. I went hoping to address some issues in our neighborhood, such as graffiti on the signs and dumping at the community pond.

On behalf of all the volunteers at Attic Treasures, we would like to thank the multitude of people in the community who assisted us in providing Christmas for 25 families and 71 children who might otherwise have gotten nothing for Christmas.

Special thanks to the shoppers, the men who assembled 16 bikes, the sorters, and all other clerical help necessary to get the job done, but especially to the community who continue to donate really good stuff and to those who shop with us regularly.

Jesus came to give life. He leads His sheep into pastures that are green.

For centuries, many of God’s sheep have been held in captivity by the traditions of men. Such sheep are forced to eat straw. Some of this straw comes in the form of the sheep being told that the building in which they are assembled is actually “God’s house.”

Thanks to everyone who donated pet food to our Kibble for Kritters program, which benefits CSRA Happy Tails Rescue. We’d also like to thank the PawPrints Foundation for their continued support of our program.

This is in response to Barry Paschal’s Dec. 4 column, “Snob appeal in opposition,” and is an appeal to all to consider the needs of young military families in this debate.

I’m retired military, now settling down in Evans. My view of Magnolia Trace and other such projects is that they are necessary to give a helping hand to young military families who want to live in the better neighborhoods of the Fort Gordon area.